Happy Thursday! Please note that our office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Also, the office will be closed for Thanksgiving on November 27, 28 and 29.
There are 355 days until Election Day 2020!
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION LOOKING FOR OFFICERS
The Taxpayers Association is looking for new officers. At their December meeting new officers will be elected. As mentioned previously, the Taxpayer Association is a neutral organization but has previously been dominated by the Republicans. We need to continue to attend their meetings and join their board. If you are interested in being an officer, contact John Kistler at [email protected]
You can check out their website for more information at: https://tpairc.org/
DEC MEETING
Please join us for our next Democratic Executive Committee Meeting on November 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14th Ave. Learn about what the DEC is working on, how you can get involved and meet like minded people.
DEC & CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY
You, your friends and family are invited to join with fellow Democrats to raise a cup of good cheer. The Indian River County Democratic Club and the Democratic Executive Committee will be celebrating together on Tuesday, December 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Irish American Society.
The party will be in place of the regular December Club and DECmeetings. We are a diverse group of people with different traditions. Let’s share with each other what makes this time of year special for us. Local band, “Friends and Neighbors,” will provide musical entertainment.
Signup sheets for contributions of your favorite holiday appetizers, finger foods, desserts and/or other holiday decorations will be available at Headquarters (2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach) and at the next DEC meeting. A cash bar is available.
Traditionally the DEC has participated in the annual Toys for Tots Drive at their December meeting. In keeping with this tradition, we will gratefully accept unwrapped toys or monetary donations for children ages 0-10 during this event. We are also accepting gift cards for children 11-18 who no longer qualify for Toys for Tots.
GROWING CLUBS OF INDIAN RIVER
Congratulations to the Democratic Club of Indian River for reaching 137 new members!
Also, Congratulations to the Florida Young Democrats of Indian River for their new membership of 31 (and counting)!
FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY UPDATE
Recently, the Executive Director of FDP, Juan Peñalosa has prepared a memo, outlining the party's efforts to date. We thought we would share some highlights with you.
- FDP's campaign to defeat Trump has a paid campaign team of 91 employees, the largest staff of any Democratic State Party in the nation — and equal to the Trump Florida campaign and Republican Party of Florida combined.
- FDP has registered more than 17,000 voters since the program launch in June.
- Democrats have out-registered Republicans 4 months in a row for the first time in 3 years.
- Florida Democrats have committed to registering 200,000 voters before the DNC Convention in July of 2020. The last time Florida Democrats had a massive off-year voter registration program was 2011 when Florida Democrats registered 180,000 voters before the general election began and President Barack Obama won by 75,000 votes.
- The Florida Democratic Party has the largest staff of any state party in the nation with 91 paid staff members, that includes 54 organizers in 21 counties and 12 college campuses.
- In the past 4 months FDP has registered 14,434 voters!
If we want to win in 2020, it is going to take an army of dedicated, motivated and passionate volunteers. We hope you will join us locally to make it happen!
FELLSMERE CHILDREN IN NEED – HELP!
So far, we have received just a couple of donations for the children in Fellsmere. The Fellsmere community is seeking Christmas donations for children ages 11 to 18. These children are now excluded from the Toys for Tots program due to their age. If you are able and willing, the office will be accepting gifts or gift cards for these kids through the month of November. Please bring any donations to Stacey at the Democrats of Indian River Headquarters, 2345 14th Ave., Vero Beach, 32960.
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Speaking of the holidays, are you looking for that special gift for a like-minded family member or friend? Well, stop by Headquarters and pick out a t-shirt, tank top, coffee mug, water bottle or necklace pendant for them! Not only are you supporting your local Democrats, but you are spreading the word about the Democrats of Indian River!
CANDIDATE WORKSHOPS
Are you considering a run for office? Not sure what that entails? The Supervisor of Elections Office is holding a Candidate Workshop so you can learn the ins and outs of a campaign on November 20th from 9 am to 11 am, 4375 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach. You don’t have to be a declared candidate to attend this informational workshop. However, call 772.226.3440 to reserve your spot.
OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION
There are numerous offices up for election in Indian River County next year. The Democrats of Indian River are looking for candidates for these positions. If you are considering running for office, or know someone who is, below are the offices, positions and current office holder up for election in 2020.
Board of County Commissioners:
District 1 – Susan Adams
District 3 - Tim Zorc
District 5 – Bob Solari
School Board:
District 3 - Laura Zorc
District 5 - Tiffany Justice
IR County Hospital District:
Seat 3 - Barbara S. Bodnar
Seat 5 - Karen Deigl
Seat 7 - Michael J. Weiss
Indian River Mosquito Control District:
Seat 1 - Janice Broda
Seat 3 - Buck Vocelle
Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District:
Seat 2 - David Gunter
Seat 4 - Robert J. Lindsey
Sebastian Inlet Tax District:
District 1 – Jenny Lawton
District 2 – Beth L. Mitchell
District 3 – Michael Rowland
City of Fellsmere:
Fernando R. Herrera
Jessica Salgado
Joel Tyson
City of Sebastian
Ed Dodd
Jim Hill
City of Vero Beach
Tony Young
Laura Moss
Robert Brackett
Town of Indian River Shores Council
Robert “Bob” Auwaerter
Deborah “Debbi” Peniston
Tom Slater
Town of Orchid Council
Paul Knapp
Harold Ofstie
WHY VOTE BY MAIL?
Are you signed up to Vote By Mail? If not, why aren’t you? The statistics show that people are more likely to Vote By Mail compared to voting at the polls. Why should you encourage people to Vote By Mail? Here are some excellent arguments to help you make your case.
PROTECT YOUR VOTE
- Vote by Mail ballots are counted FIRST and can be tracked online.
- Last minute travel, illness, ride availability, inclement weather will not be impediments.
- Vote by Mail ballots are mailed 30 days in advance; plenty of time to research the candidates, issues and amendments.
- You don’t need an ID to Vote by Mail.
- You can call or check online to make sure your ballot was received by your Supervisor of Elections.
- Your ballot will not be returned for insufficient postage. The Post Office must take your ballot with or without a stamp.
- If you decide to vote at the polls, just take your VBM ballot with you.
- Mail it.
- A drop box will be located at all three early voting sites in Indian River: the Main Library in Vero, the Sebastian City Hall and the Office of Supervisor of Elections on 43rd Ave.
- You can drop your ballot in the Ballot Box outside the Supervisor of Elections building any day, any time until Election Day.
DATA TEAM
We are putting together a Data Team led by Jim St. Martin. If you are interested in learning more about our Data system or VAN (the statewide database of registered voters), Jim will be holding office hours at Headquarters every Monday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Stop on by!
CALENDAR
Below find upcoming government, Democrat and community events to add to your calendar.
November 16
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Superintendent Interviews, School District of Indian River County, 6500 57th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967
November 18
10:00 a.m. – Vero Beach City Council Organizational Meeting, City Council Chambers of Vero Beach, City Hall, 1053 20th Place, Vero Beach, 32960
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Data Meeting (open to anyone interested) with Jim St. Martin, Democratic Headquarters, 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL 32960
November 19
9:00 a.m. – Indian River County Commission, County Administration Offices – Council Chambers, 1801 27th Street, Building A, Vero Beach 32960-3388
3:00 p.m. – Vero Beach City Council, City Council Chambers of Vero Beach, City Hall
1053 20th Place, Vero Beach, 32960
November 20
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Data Meeting (open to anyone interested) with Jim St. Martin, Democratic Headquarters, 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL 32960
6:00 p.m. – Sebastian City Council, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
November 21
6:00 p.m. – DEC Monthly Meeting, Community Center, 2266 14th Ave., Vero Beach
7:00 p.m. – Fellsmere City Council, 22 S. Orange Street, Fellsmere, FL 32948
November 22
10:00 a.m. – DWC Environmental Club, Democrats of Indian River Headquarters, 2345 14th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960
Every Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Koffee with Ken and Parris
Democrats of Indian River Office
2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Vero Beach 32960
Bring your own coffee and chat about politics!
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